For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere dreaming of a sunny escape this wintertime, deciding what to pack can sometimes be the hardest part. 

Once you’ve organised which tropical location you’re off to, figuring out what you can and should bring with you is another beast. 

Here’s our top items you should leave room for in your suitcase this time around.

A Face Mask
I know, I know, you’re thinking — aren’t we done with these? But now is actually a great time to invest in a comfortable and stylish mask that you’ll be required to wear on the plane and in the airport. If looking and feeling luxurious is a priority, even in transit, Slip’s range of reusable face coverings made from pure silk are the perfect option. For another option that’s simple in style but comfortable and breathable to wear, The Good Brand designs double layered cotton jersey masks perfect for warm, stuffy climates. Grab a few and rotate your favourites to stay safe and stylish while on the road.

A Bag Tag 
Whether it’s a name tag or a key chain, ensuring there’s a way to spot your black suitcase out of the sea of nearly identical black suitcases is essential. With an influx in travelling, minimising the risk of losing your luggage by personalising your bags is a sure-fire way to start the vacay off fuss-free. A luxurious leather Mimco from David Jones, or a fun key chain from Sportsgirl is the perfect way to personalise your luggage with ease. Even investing in a Bluetooth location tracking device like a Tile tag can be another great addition to your suitcase to ensure you can find it at any time. 

Wireless Headphones 
Not only are huge cordless headphones incredibly trendy at the moment, they’re also fantastic functionally. Whether you splurge on the Apple Airpods Maxi, or go for something like Bose’s QuietComfort Headphones, you’re guaranteed for a smoother and more enjoyable travel with these babies along for the ride. If you would prefer something a little more small and compact than over the head styles, the regular AirPods or Belkin’s Soundforce Rise Earbuds are both fantastic options for noise cancelling listening with a subtle appearance. 

Miniature Grooming Sets
Just because you’re taking a break, doesn’t mean your skincare or grooming regimes have to. Although packing your full sized liquid, gel or aerosol product is typically a no-no, mini versions of all your favourite skincare, grooming and beauty products are the solution. Small enough to take with you in your carry on, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Skincare Kit is an affordable option for all your dermal needs while on holiday. Perfect for everyone, Malin+Goetz Best-Sellers Travel Kit has everything you need for a premium grooming routine while away from home — from top to toe.

Portable Charger
Avoid a nightmare scenario of your phone going flat while lost in a foreign city with a handy-dandy portable charger. Compact enough to fit into your day bag, or even a pocket, an on-the-go charger is a new age essential for any traveller, whether solo or with a group. Available at a wide range of department stores like David Jones, find a portable charger that suits your charging needs and your budget. A huge range of trusted tech brands including Cygnett, Belkin and Mophie retail high quality power banks at a reasonable price and at a variety of sizes. Whether you need to charge up your phone, tablet, or headphones, a wireless charging device has you covered.

Before you jet off, make sure you shop these must have travel accessories and more for a smooth sail.